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Toy gun eye injuries - eye protection needed Helsinki ocular trauma study
Anna-Kaisa Haavisto1, Ahmad Sahraravand1, Päivi Puska1
1University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Eye Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
Insights
Toy guns, particularly airsoft guns, cause serious eye injuries in children, often due to lack of protective eyewear. Long-term vision impairment can occur, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and safety awareness.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Trauma Surgery
- Public Health
Background:
- Toy gun use is prevalent among children and adolescents.
- Eye injuries from toy guns represent a significant, yet preventable, cause of ocular trauma.
- Previous studies have highlighted the severity of these injuries, but long-term outcomes require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology, clinical findings, treatment, and long-term outcomes of eye injuries caused by toy guns.
- To assess resource utilization for these injuries.
- To provide recommendations for prevention and regulation.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of all patients treated for toy gun eye injuries at Helsinki University Eye Hospital from 2011-2012.
- Inclusion criteria: new patients with eye trauma caused by toy guns.
- Follow-up assessments at 3 months and 5 years post-injury.
Main Results:
- Toy guns accounted for 1% of all eye traumas, with airsoft guns being the most common cause (12/15 injuries).
- Most patients were male children under 16, with blunt ocular trauma or corneal abrasion as primary diagnoses.
- At 5-year follow-up, 8/15 patients had abnormal ocular findings, including artificial intraocular lens and iridodialysis; 7/15 reported permanent visual impairment.
Conclusions:
- Toy guns, especially airsoft guns, are a significant cause of severe eye injuries in children, with potential for long-term visual impairment.
- The study found no cases of glaucoma, but other serious ocular complications occurred.
- Recommendations include emphasizing protective eyewear use, educating players and bystanders, and considering regulation of airsoft gun sales under firearms legislation.
Purpose:
We report the epidemiology, findings, treatment, long-term outcome and use of resources for eye injuries caused by toy guns in southern Finland.
Methods:
All new patients injured by toy guns in one year (2011-2012) and treated at Helsinki University Eye Hospital were included. Follow-ups occurred at 3 months and 5 years.
Results:
Toy guns caused 15 eye traumas (1% of all eye traumas). Most patients were male (n = 14) and children aged under 16 years (n = 13). Toy guns involved were airsoft guns (n = 12), pea shooters (n = 2) and paintball (n = 1). Eleven patients did not use protective eyewear, and four patients discontinued their use during the game. Seven patients were not active participants in the game. Blunt ocular trauma was the primary diagnosis in 13 patients and corneal abrasion in two. Seven patients had retinal findings. In the 5-year follow-up, eight of 15 patients had abnormal ocular findings: three had artificial intraocular lens, two iridodialysis, and one each retinal plomb, mydriasis or iris tear. None had glaucoma. Seven patients had permanent subjective impairment due to pain, lowered visual acuity, blur or difficulty in focusing. Four patients needed seven operations. The number of outpatient visits was 90. One patient required hospitalization.
Conclusion:
Toy guns cause serious eye traumas. No glaucoma was found. Proper use of toy guns and protective eyewear during the whole game should be emphasized to both players and bystanders. We recommend that in Finland the selling of airsoft guns be placed under the Firearms Act to make the hazards of airsoft guns known.
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